James Mc Creath, Ph.D., LCSW
President & CEO
Jim joined CPNJ in February 2011, bringing with him more than 30 years of experience as an executive in the healthcare industry. His past experience includes serving as President/CEO of Hall-Brooke Behavioral Health, a private psychiatric hospital/CMHC in Westport, Connecticut for four years and as Vice President for Behavioral Health at Jersey City Medical Center for 11 years. Jim oversees all aspects of the agency’s operations.
Terrie Sostorecz
Senior V.P. for Operations
Terrie joined CPNJ in September 2010, bringing more than 20 years of experience as an executive in the insurance industry. Prior to joining CPNJ, she held management positions at Chubb & Son, Inc., Fireman’s Fund, AIG, and most recently was V.P. of Human Resources at Global Aerospace, Inc. responsible for worldwide policy and strategy development. In the role of Senior V.P. for Operations at CPNJ, she will oversee the operational aspects of CPNJ’s residential, day and education programs.
Biren Parikh
Chief Financial Officer
Biren is a licensed CPA with 24 years of experience, including 21 years with nonprofit organizations. He has been with CPNJ for 12 years and is responsible for oversight and administration of the agency’s $27 million budget.
Nouri Ghahary, Ph.D., LPC
V.P. for Clinical and Ancillary Services
Dr. Ghahary is a highly experienced child/adolescent psychologist who has worked with this population for more than 20 years and also has a private practice in Montclair. She is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of post traumatic stress disorders. She will oversee the agency's work with program participants with behavioral challenges.
David Bishop
V.P. for Development & Communications
David has worked in nonprofit development for more than 20 years, including the last 10 with CPNJ. He oversees the agency’s fundraising activities, as well as press releases, website and social network outreach, publications and CPNJ’s volunteer program.
Jim Ferruggiaro
Director of Adult Services
Jim brings more than 30 years of experience in the field of developmental disabilities. He worked for 20 years with the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities, where he worked his way up to Assistant Division Director. Jim is charged with the supervision of three adult day programs that serve more than 180 consumers.
Gregory A. Muller
Director of Information Technology
Gregory has worked in IT for over 20 years, including the last four with CPNJ. He is responsible for the agency’s IT planning, design, development, purchasing and implementation for all aspects of the corporate network. In addition, he oversees Educational Technology in CPNJ’s Horizon Schools.
Tracy Lee, CCC-SLP/ATP
Coordinator of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT) Services
Tracy spearheaded the development of the AAC/AT program when she joined CPNJ eight years ago. Tracy provides AAC/AT assessment, consultation, intervention and training services for toddlers, children and adults with complex communication, learning and motor abilities on an in-house and community basis. Tracy is also the current President of the New Jersey Coalition for the Advancement of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology.
Donna Castellano
Director of the Early Intervention Program
Donna is one of the true pioneers in early intervention, having guided CPNJ’s program for more than 20 of its 30 years. She coordinates the more than 100 therapists and other staff members needed to serve more than 600 families each year in Bergen and Essex Counties.
Peggy Walsh
Principal, Horizon School
Peggy has worked in special education for over 40 years, including the last eight years with Horizon School. She supervises a staff of more than 60 teachers, therapists and aides to deliver services to our students.
Lori Hoffner
Director of Community Services
Lori has worked in the nonprofit arena for more than 10 years, including the last seven years with CPNJ. She is charged with developing all of the agency’s fee-for-service programs. These programs are designed to fill in the gaps in service not addressed by our other programs. Her programs serve more than 350 children and adults.
Scot Meyer
Director of Residential Services
Scott arrived at CPNJ in 2011 with 13 years of supervisory experience in residences for adults with developmental disabilities. He oversees the agency’s six community residences (and the development of additional homes) as well as Essex Properties, a 24-unit apartment complex.
Jeannine Ayd
VP for Human Resources
Jeannine has over 15 years of diversified experience in human resources management, with specialty in operations and strategy. She is responsible for and oversees all HR services to support CPNJ’s programs and an employee population of over 500.
